Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Jan. 03, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 102,847	$ 56,663	$ 65,044
Defined benefit plans reclassification including pension costs:
Actuarial gain (loss)	(6,225)	(4,150)	6,624
Prior service costs	18	17	21
Postretirement benefits reclassification including benefit costs:
Actuarial gain (loss)	592	(4,286)	2,934
Prior service costs	(1,935)	(2,065)	(2,068)
Adjustment due to the divestiture of the Deep South and Somerset Exchange Business and the Florence and Laurel Distribution Business	6,220
Foreign currency translation adjustment	25	(6)	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,305)	(10,490)	7,507
Comprehensive income	101,542	46,173	72,551
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	6,312	6,517	6,042
Comprehensive income attributable to Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated	$ 95,230	$ 39,656	$ 66,509